Articles
Weight loss through walking
Walking has become a popular way of exercising for many people.
The reasons for its popularity are easy to understand walking is free (there are no expensive gym memberships to worry about); no hi-tech equipment to purchase the only requirement is a pair of good walking shoes; walking can be done anywhere, anytime; and best of all, you can get started regardless of your current level of fitness (or the lack of).
But if your goal is to lose weight through a walking program, then you need to develop the right strategies.
And the book that can help you to do that is 'Walk Off Weight'.
It is a comprehensive 8-week food and exercise plan that, if adhered to, will be of great assistance in helping you to shed those unwanted extra kilos.
The book's author, Andrew Cate, will be already known to many radio listeners because he is a regular presenter on Tony Delroy's 'Nightlife' program on 'ABC Local Radio'.
Andrew is a health, fitness and nutrition consultant, runs his own personal training studio and was, for many years, a weight loss coach for the successful Gutbusters health program.
'Walk Off Weight' is an enjoyable book to read. It is also clearly written and easy to understand.
Not only will it motivate you to get walking, it also shows you what to do with a sensible 'walk off weight diet plan' plus a 'walk off weight 8-week challenge'.
Andrew explains that his 'walk off weight diet plan' is the culmination of years of study into nutrition.
'After fine-tuning my dietary recommendations for over 10 years with my personal training and fat-loss coaching clients. I have come up with 14 proven strategies for health, fitness, energy and weight loss'.
And Andrew devised his unique 'walk off weight 8-week challenge' as 'something different' for those people who want to achieve fat loss.
He points out that 'deep down inside, you know that walking and healthy eating works. I know it works too I've seen it work for literally thousands of my personal training clients and Gutbusters guys.
Andrew now wants things to work out for you too. So that is why he has 'mapped out a plan to change your life in 56 days'.
There is a separate page in his book for each day of the plan.
The information to be found on these pages consists of a motivational quote of the day; a planned activity (there are different activities depending on whether you are a beginner, a more experienced walker or if you are specifically walking to lose weight); a menu planner; and a food diary.
Its just a matter of following the instructions and recording your results.
In addition, each day is accompanied by Andrew's trainer notes. These contain extra information for that particular day, for instance, what to do when friends invite you out for a meal.
Also included in his book is a series of specially formulated 'walk off weight' recipes.
Andrew's wish is that 'some of these recipes and fast feast ideas will become part of your new foundation for lifelong healthy eating'.
Another aspect of the 'Walk Off Weight' book that I really like is the inclusion of lots of break out boxes. These are full of tips and hints, as well as advice to keep your motivated.
Here's just a small sampling of some of the titles of those boxes:
The benefits of regular walking
How to vary your walking routine
The correct walking technique checklist
Great ways to cut back your kilojoule intake
Warning signs you are an emotional eater
10 fat-storing foods to cut back on
Tips on how to fit walking into a busy schedule
Ways to add fun to your walks
Guidelines for safe and effective stretching
Benefits from walking for arthritis sufferers
How walking can help relieve depression
By the time you've finished reading 'Walk Off Weight', you will have acquired all sorts of interesting and useful information about every aspect of walking that you can possibly think of.
For example, you'll know about the different types of walking such as strolling, incidental walking, power walking, race walking, weighted walking, Nordic walking and stair walking.
You will have learnt too about the ten common mistakes that walkers make, but more importantly, how to avoid those mistakes.
You will have also been exposed to the ten barriers to weight loss success and what you need to do to circumvent those barriers.
Plus plenty more as well.
For instance, there is an entire chapter of the book devoted to walking on treadmills, while another chapter provides training guidance for advanced walkers.
In conclusion, my advice is the same as that offered by Andrew, and that's to 'take that first step and enjoy the results'.
But in order to get the best results possible, I recommend too that you make full use of all the great advice that is waiting for you in Andrew's book.
For more information about 'Walk Off Weight', or to purchase a copy of it online, click the following link: Walk Off Weight